Device for filling soluble containers

ABSTRACT

A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has atleast a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of filling soluble containerssuch as capsules. Particularly, the present invention relates to thefield of filling materials in the form of non-aqueous liquid, powder,oil, solid, tablets, caplets, foam, gel, granules, smaller capsules intolarge size capsules and so on especially into capsules made fromdifferent materials such as starch, PVA, PEO, etc. More particularly,the present invention relates to a device for filling capsules byconveniently orienting the capsules, opening the cap of the capsules forfilling required contents into capsules and thereafter re-closing thefilled capsules.

BACKGROUND ART

Numerous attempts have been made to provide a device for fillingcontainers particularly soluble containers such as capsules.

In general, a device for filling a soluble container such as a capsulecomprises the following components:

-   a) Orienter.-   b) Filler.-   c) Capsule Tray.-   d) Powder tray, Powder spreader & Extractor rod.-   e) Tamper unit.

The orienter orients the capsules in such a way that caps remain up &bodies in down position. After this, the capsules are transferred fromorienter to capsule tray mounted on filler.

The capsule tray keeps all capsules on filler in vertical position. Thecap & body of capsules are separated as sliding sheet holds the capsulebodies firmly against separation force generated by lifting of thecapsule tray.

Powder tray and powder spreader are provided to ease filling of powderand other filling materials. A tamper unit is provided to ensure uniformfilling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,932 discloses an invention entitled “capsulehandling system” wherein the sheet sliding mechanism in the orientergenerates more friction due to large contact area and therefore slidingis not smooth. Also, positioning of sheets for orienting the capsules ismore or less inconsistent. As regards the filler assembly, two thumbscrews are used to operate sliding sheet to hold the capsule bodiesduring separation of cap and body of the capsules. This is aninconvenient and time consuming operation. For filling capsules of othersize, adjustment of height of filler base according to cut length ofcapsule bodies and therefore appropriate adjustment and setting arerequired which is also a cumbersome operation.

In a capsule filling machine developed and marketed by a company calledFeton®, grub screws are used for setting and holding the sheets withrespect to base for orienting the capsules. Further, the stroke lengthof the orienter sheet in this machine is to be adjusted by a thumbscrew. This arrangement is quite cumbersome and requires skill on thepart of the operator to achieve the above tasks.

Both the machines as developed by Feton and as disclosed in the U.S.Pat. No. 5,321,932 have a closed structure and therefore the operationis not visual and accessibility to jammed capsules becomes difficult.

Further, the above mentioned capsule filling devices are not capable oforienting, separating the cap and body, and filling of capsules whichhave longer cap length and smaller body length such as double blindcapsules.

Other conventional capsule filling machines also suffer from a series ofdrawbacks either in their configuration and/or function therebyresulting in a poor performance.

Therefore, a need has arisen for requirement of developing a machinewhich would overcome the drawbacks associated with the existing devices,and which would provide a setting free capsule filling system and whichis simple in construction and achieves more efficient performance.

Our inventors, by determined research and intuitive knowledge, for thefirst time, have introduced a device for filling soluble containerswhich would provide a setting free capsule filling system and which issimple in construction, easy to operate and achieves more efficientperformance than those devices in the state of the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the description appended hereto:

1. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device has a simplestructure comprising less number of parts to enable easier handling andoperation, for filling of capsules.

2. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device has a longer lifeand provides higher output per hour of capsule filling operation.

3. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the assembly for orientingthe capsule has a sheet sliding mechanism which is capable of beingoperated under minimum contact area and thereby effect smooth andsubstantially friction free sliding of sheet so as to achieve smoothflow and orientation of capsules.

4. Yet another object of present invention is to provide a device forfilling soluble containers such as capsules wherein the sub-assembly fororienting is easily removable and thereby enabling easier cleaning andmaintenance.

5. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device can be used fororienting, separating cap and body, and filling capsules of varioussizes by changing tool free and setting free change-parts, withoutmaking any considerable alteration in the existing setup of the device.

6. Another object of present invention is to provide a device forfilling soluble containers such as capsules wherein sufficient provisionand containment is available for loading of capsules for orientation andeasy removal of excess capsules from orienter thereby facilitating easyhandling of the orienter assembly.

7. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device has an easilyoperable cam assembly mounted along with the assembly for fillingcapsules thereby facilitating sliding movement of sheets in fillingassembly to enable quick and easier gripping of the body of thecapsules.

8. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device has a easilyreplaceable spacer plate for each size of capsule, to suit the bodylength of the capsule thereby providing a setting free change-partconfiguration.

9. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for fillingsoluble containers such as capsules wherein the device has an openstructure, enabling visual operation during filling of capsules and alsominimizes wastage of capsules.

10. An object of the present invention is to provide a device forfilling soluble containers such as capsules wherein the device iscapable of over encapsulation of smaller capsules, tablets, caplets andso on, with larger capsules.

11. An object of the present invention is to provide a device forfilling soluble containers such as capsules wherein the device iscapable of being used for orienting, separating the cap and body, andfilling of capsules which have longer cap length and smaller body lengthsuch as double blind capsules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a device for filling solublecontainers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting capsuleswherein the sheets in the assembly for loading and orienting thecapsules are capable of being relatively displaced and such displacementis limited by one or more slots in one or more of the sheets preferablyin the sheet which is foremost in position from the upper side.

A gate comprising atleast a pair of tabs in the orienter assemblyfacilitates containment of the capsules loaded thereon to the orienterassembly.

Inclined holes are provided for orienting larger size capsules such assize 000, 00el, thereby improving versatility and widening ofapplication range without increasing the size of filler and/or reducingthe capacity of filler per cycle.

An easily operable eccentric cam assembly is mounted in the assembly forfilling capsules so as to enable relative sliding movement of a set ofsheets for effecting gripping of the body of the capsules such that thecaps of the capsules can be separated manually from the gripped body ofthe capsules.

A set of locating holes preferably eight in number are disposed on theforemost sheet in the filler assembly, for enabling over encapsulationof smaller capsules, tablets, caplets, into bigger capsules.

In the assembly for filling capsules, the sheets have profile-cutportions and profile-cut strips that are capable of being positioned inmating relationship with each other to enable gripping the body of thecapsules in a single plane thereby enabling separation of capsuleshaving longer cap length and shorter body length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being given and in order topromote a better understanding of the characteristics of the inventionin accordance with a practical embodiment of the same and as an integralpart of the said description a set of drawings accompany it in which, inan illustrative and non-restrictive way, the following are represented:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of orienter assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of orienter assembly according tothe present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of orienter assembly according toone embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of filler assembly according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of filler assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the filler assembly according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of sliding sheet and bottom sheetof the filler assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of capsule tray according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of capsule tray according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of tamper, powder spreader, and extractorrod & powder tray according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an inventive filling device for solublecontainers such as capsules.

The device comprises an orienter assembly, a filler assembly, a capsuletray assembly, a powder tray and a tamper unit along with a accessories.

In this application the term capsule is used for the purposes ofillustration only. It is not to be construed that the description refersonly to the capsules but also includes all forms of containers andobjects of such forms.

Orienter Assembly

The orienter assembly is capable of orienting about 50 or more capsulesat a time. The orienter assembly is capable of orienting about 100 ormore capsules in two stages in the same capsule filling cycle.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an orienter assembly comprises a base(32) and a sheet unit (59) supported over the base (32). The base (32)preferably has a generally rectangular body having a locating foot (43)preferably four in number mounted individually at each corner, at thebottom surface of the base (32). The base (32) comprises a pair ofcut-outs (49) for hand gripping, to facilitate holding of the orienterassembly by the operator. The base (32) may be made out of a metal or aplastic material preferably polycarbonate/acrylic material. The purposeof the locating foot (43) is to enable positioning of the orienterassembly, over a capsule tray assembly on filler assembly. The base (32)comprises several holes (58) preferably funnel shaped, which are adaptedto allow and guide the passage of individual capsules from upper side ofthe base (32) to the lower side of the base (32), without effecting anychange in the position of the oriented capsules. The base (32) has alocating pin (40) for mistake-proof assembly of the oriented sheet unit(59) over the base (32).

The sheet unit (59) comprises a top sheet (33) and a bottom sheet (39)assembled together using a set of screw bushes (42) and a set of topscrews (41). The sheet unit (59) is mounted over the base (32) through aset of screw bushes (42) preferably four in number individually mountedsuch that the support of the sheet unit (59) is effected substantiallyfrom the four corners of the body of the base (32) through the screwbushes (42) as best illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, the sheet unit (59)is firmly fastened on to the body of the base (32) by a set of screws(47) preferably four in number which are introduced from the bottom ofthe base (32).

The top sheet (33) has a tray type configuration and is capable ofaccommodating about 50 or more capsules at a time. A plurality of ribs(60) are provided individually atleast in three out of four side edgesand a gate (35) is disposed at one side edge of the top sheet (33) whichis open and which is devoid of ribs (60). The gate (35) is configured atthe side edge where the rib (60) is not present and such side, when incapsule orienting position, is towards the operator. The gate (35) isfixed onto the ribs (60) as shown in FIG. 1 using a pair of pivot pins(36) so that the gate (35) is disposed movable vertically, preferably ina circular path about the pivot pins (36). A pair of tabs (37) isintegrally mounted substantially at either ends of the gate (35). Thetabs (37) may also be configured in desired sizes and numbers and as aseparable attachment. The gate tabs (37) serve two purposes. Firstly,the gate (35) is opened and closed by the operator, by holding the gatetabs (37) using thumbs. Secondly, because of the tare weight of the gatetabs (37) the gate (35) remains in closed position unless and untilopened by the operator. In one position whereby the operator lifts thegate (35), the gate (35) is moved upwards whereby one side edge of thetop sheet (33) is open and in the normal position of the gate (35), thegate (35) remains at a lower position, enabling closure of the open sideedge of the top sheet (33) due to the tare weight of the gate tabs (37).This eliminates wastage of capsules falling out from the top sheet (33)due to accidental opening of the gate (35), during shaking of theorienter assembly.

The top sheet (33) has a plurality of notches (52) each havingsubstantially elliptical shape and such notches (52) are preferablyconfigured in 50 or more in number. The purpose of the top sheet (33) isto temporarily accommodate the capsules that are required to be filledwith required contents and for transferring them onto the bottom sheet(39) by passage of the capsules through the notches (52). Preferably,slots (46) are provided in the top sheet (33), at positionscorresponding to fastening location of the top screws (41). The slots(46) are dimensioned suitably just to enable horizontal sliding movementof the top sheet (33) relative to the position of the bottom sheet (39).The slots may also be in the bottom sheet (39) or in both top sheet (33)and bottom sheet (39). A spring block (38) is integrally mounted at theunder surface of the top sheet (33). The provision of the slot (46) inthe top sheet (33) reduces frictional contact area of sliding, andthereby friction less and smooth sliding is achieved. A spring (34)co-ordinates with the spring block (38) to effect reversible horizontalmovement of the top sheet (33) relative to the bottom sheet (39).According to the present invention, the top sheet (33) is preferably aone piece fabricated construction for the purpose of easy cleaning, asgaps those would have been there due to multiple piece construction areavoided.

The top sheet (33) and the bottom sheet (39) are separated vertically bya predetermined distance in-between so as to make the capsules sitperfectly in the notches (52) & to prevent them from coming out of thenotches (52) during shaking of the orienter assembly. The distancebetween the top sheet (33) and bottom sheet (39) is set between theoptimum ranges as given in TABLE-1. TABLE 1 Capsule size 000 00 0 1 2 34 5 AA Dis- 6.5 5 to 3.5 to 3.5 to 2.5 2.5 2.5 to 2 to 6.5 tance to 8 75.5 5.5 to 4 to 4 3.5 3 to 8 (mm)

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinalaxis of each notch (52) is kept at right angle to the gate (35) so thatexcess capsules can easily slide out without any interference from thecapsules those are already seated in the notches (52) or dislodging thecapsules seated in the notches (52), on tilting the orienter assembly.

The bottom sheet (39) has a plurality of profile notches (45),preferably 50 or more. The profile notches (45) preferably have asubstantially elliptical shape with a wider section at the centralportion as shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 2. accompanying thedrawings. The significance of each profile notch (45) is to orient thecapsules such that when the capsules fall from the notches (52) of thetop sheet (33), and pass through the profile notch (45), the capsulesare oriented with their body at the lower position and their caps at thetop positions.

According to the present invention, the preferable dimensions of thecentral and end portions of the profile notch and the size of thecapsules such as double blind capsules that are effectively handled inthe profile notch are described in the following table No. 2:

All dimensions are in mm. TABLE 2 Caps. dims. Cap Cut length 11 to 13 17to 19 13 to 15 10 to 12 Prelock Length 18 to 20 24 to 25 19 to 21 16 to17 Capsule# AA AAel A B DB Or. X 20 to 22 25 to 27 20 to 22 16.5 to 18.0Y 10 to 12 14 to 16 10 to 12 7 to 9wherein“X” is the total length of the profile notch,“Y” is the length of the central portion of the profile notch

The capsules which remain in excess after being seated in the notches(52) can be easily slid out by tilting the orienter assembly withoutinterference or dislodging the capsules that are seated in the notches(52). The profile notches (45) and notches (52) are laser cut instainless steel SS-316 sheet to achieve required accuracy.

In an alternative embodiment, the notches (52) of the top sheet (33) andprofile notches (45) of the bottom sheet (39) are oriented at aninclined position relative to the gate (35) see for instance FIG. 3 sothat longer capsules such as size 000 capsules can be oriented withoutrequirement of increasing the size of the assembly or reducing thecapacity of filling wherein the capacity is defined as the number ofcapsules oriented per cycle.

Filler Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 4 & 5, the filler assembly has a sheet unit mountedand located on a frame (3) with the help of pins (2), and a liftingplate (8) assembled together.

The sheet unit comprises a top sheet (13), a bottom sheet (10) and asliding sheet (11) which are adapted to move relatively in-between thetop sheet (13) and the bottom sheet (10). The frame (3) has a camsupport block (5). The cam support block (5) comprises a cam (4) havingan integral cam handle (6), and is mounted at one edge of the frame (3),the edge preferably being towards the operator's side. The frame (3) issupported on the pins (2) preferably four in numbers. A spacer plate(14) is preferably interposed between the frame (3) and the liftingplate (8). A plurality of pins (57) as shown in FIG. 6 may be used inthe spacer plate (14) for use with double blind capsules or the spacerplate (14) without pins as shown in FIG. 5 may be used for use withregular size capsules. The spacer plate (14) is located on the liftingplate (8) using a set of locating pins (9). Rubber feet (1) are affixedat the bottom of the pins (2), for supporting the lifting plate (8) andin turn the entire assembly.

A thumb post (7) is fixed on the cam support block (5), to keep thedevice stable while operating the cam (4), as the pressure applied byfingers to operate the cam (4) is balanced by the thumb post (7) throughthe thumb. Without thumb-post (7), the operator would have to hold themachine in awkward position with one hand while he moves the cam handle(6) with the other hand. The provision of the thumb post (7) enablesachieving single hand operation of the device.

A cam slot (51) is provided in the sliding sheet (11), which is inengagement with the cam (4) such that when the operator operates the cam(4) by holding the thumb post (7) in one hand and turning the cam handle(6), the engagement of the cam (4) with the sliding slot (51), thesliding sheet (11) is relatively moved along the horizontal direction,with respect to the top sheet (13) and bottom sheet (10).

A cam bush (12) is welded onto the sliding sheet (11) from bottom side,at the vicinity of the slot (51). The sliding sheet moves forward &returns back to home position positively when the cam (4) is operated(rotated) clockwise & anticlockwise respectively for separation of caps& bodies of the capsules. The cam (4) is preferably a single eccentriccam which operates preferably only one sheet i.e. sliding sheet (11).The cam can be designed to operate more than one sliding sheet. Theholding of the capsule body for separation can be achieved by a twoplate system or a three or more plate system, with one plate sliding ortwo or more plates sliding. For replacing the sheets for filling othersize capsules, dismantling of cam from the base frame is not required.

The device capacity is preferably 100 capsules per cycle however it canhave any higher capacity required i.e 200, 300, or 500 or more capsulesper cycle.

The device is manually operated. Optionally, it can be adapted to beoperated using pneumatics, hydraulics, hydro-pneumatic,electro-pneumatic, mechanical linkages and other similar powered ornon-powered mechanisms.

A set of locating holes (48) preferably eight in number are provided inthe top sheet (13) for locating an orienter assembly for overencapsulating capsules with size smaller than the size of the capsuleson filler by orienting and dropping filled capsules. Alternatively thelocating holes (48) could locate a tablet/caplet filling attachment fororienting and dropping tablets/caplets into the capsule bodies.

Referring to FIGS. 6 & 7, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the sheet unit of the filler assembly comprises a top sheet(13) a bottom sheet (10) and a sliding sheet (11) wherein the slidingsheet (11) has a plurality of profile-cut portions (56) as bestillustrated in FIG. 7. The bottom sheet (10) comprises a plurality ofprofile-cut strips (53) of thickness 2 to 4 mm, welded to its uppersurface. Each profile-cut strip (53) is in rectangular flat form havingmultiple circular cut portions (54) on one side along its longitudinaledge. Each circular cut portion (56) is concentric with correspondingholes (55) provided in rows and columns in the bottom sheet (10). Theprofile-cut portions (56) of the sliding sheet (11) are capable of beingpositioned in matching relationship with the profile-cut strips (53) ofthe bottom sheet (10). In the matched position of the profile-cutportion (56) of the sliding sheet (11) and the profile-cut strips (53)of the bottom sheet (10), the circular cut portion (54) of theprofile-cut strips (53) and the profile cut portion (56) of the slidingsheet (11) forms a circular through hole sufficient enough to allow thebody of the capsule to pass through. The body of the capsule is grippedin a single plane formed by the coordinating effect of the profile-cutstrips (53) of the bottom sheet (10) and the profile-cut portions (56)of the sliding sheet (11). When the sliding sheet (11) is moved 1 to 2mm relative to the bottom sheet (10), the body of the capsules isgripped so that the caps can be separated apart manually from the bodyof the capsules. To prevent lifting of the sliding sheet (11) duringseparation operation, a pair of holding strips (62) is disposedpreferably welded to bottom surface of the sliding sheet (11) on theside opposite to the operator's side. To accommodate the holding strips(62), cut-outs (61) are provided on the bottom sheet (10).

Capsule Tray Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 8 & 9, the capsule tray assembly comprises a capsuletray (16) having a plurality of holes preferably 50 or more in numberfor accommodating capsules. A pair of hinge posts (22) is individuallyprovided preferably at two corners along one side edge of the capsuletray (16). A pair of handles (17) is mounted individually to the holesprovided on either sides of the capsule tray (16) as illustrated in FIG.9. A locking plate (19) is mounted to the hinge posts (22) such that thelocking plate (19) openably closes the holes provided in the capsuletray (16). A pair of hinge brackets (20) with hinge pins (21) is fixedindividually on either side edges of the locking plate (19) tofacilitate mounting of the locking plate (19) on to the hinge posts.Supporting feet (18) are detachedly affixed at the four corners, at thebottom side surface of the capsule tray (16).

The feet (18) are preferably four in number and are provided on thecapsule tray (16) to avoid popping out of caps after capsule separationis done. Novice users of machines will at times unlock and open thelocking plate (19). If the capsule tray (16) does not have the capsuletray foot (18) and the capsule tray (16) is placed on the table, all thecaps in the capsule tray (16) will pop out due to entrapped air.

A resting block (23) is mounted along one side edge, at the uppersurface of the capsule tray (16). Preferably the resting block (23) ismounted along the side opposite to the side of the hinge posts. A clamp(24) is used to hold the locking plate (19) with the capsule tray (16)when in that position, one edge of the locking plate (19) rests over theresting block (23).

In horizontal position, the locking plate (19) rests on the restingblock (23) leaving small gap between capsule top position and thelocking plate bottom to avoid any damage to capsules due to weight oflocking plate (19). The clamp (24) locks the locking plate (19) inplace. The clamp (24) is very easy to operate & gives positive lockingof the locking plate in one step.

The capsule tray (16) is mounted and located on the filler assemblyusing the pins (2).

Accessories

Referring to FIG. 10, the accessories include a powder tray (25) fortemporarily accommodating the powder material to be filled in thecapsule, a spreader (26) for evenly spreading the powder materialaccommodated in the powder tray (25) and a tamping device for pushing-inthe material filled in the capsules. An extractor rod (31) is used toextract the jammed capsules from the orienter assembly. The powder tray(25) is fabricated as a single piece for enabling easy cleaning.

The tamping device comprises a cover plate (28) attached on to a bottomplate (27). The bottom plate (27) has a plurality of equally spacedtamping pins (29) for applying pressure over the powder material filledin the capsules. A handle (30) is integrally fixed or alternativelyscrewed onto to the upper surface of the cover plate (28), to enablegripping of the tamping device by user. Preferably 50 or more tampingpins are fitted to the bottom plate.

The claims and the specification describe the invention presented andthe terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from theuse of such terms in the specification. The same terms employed in theprior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein.Whenever there is a question between the broader definition of suchterms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the termsherein, the more specific meaning is meant.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in thedetails of construction and the arrangement of components withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understoodthat the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth hereinfor purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scopeof the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalencyto which each element thereof is entitled.

1. A device for filling soluble containers comprising: an assembly fororienting capsules; said assembly comprising atleast one sheet componentfor orienting capsules and atleast one base component for guiding theoriented capsules therethrough to a following assembly: said sheetcomponent comprising atleast one first sheet and atleast one secondsheet; said sheets being set apart and capable of being displacedrelatively to each other; said first sheet comprising a plurality ofnotches for accommodating the capsules loaded thereto, in coordinationwith said second sheet; said second sheet comprising a plurality ofnotches adapted to substantially orient the capsules into fillingposition; wherein the improvement comprises atleast one displacementlimitation means in atleast one of said sheets to limit relativedisplacement of said first sheet and said second sheet.
 2. The deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the displacement limitation means isatleast one slot for sliding, in atleast first sheet or in atleastsecond sheet or in combination thereof.
 3. The device according to claim1 or claim 2 wherein said first sheet comprises an opening closing meanshaving atleast a pair of thumb operable tabs in said opening and closingmeans and to retain said opening closing means in substantially closedposition in non-operated state of the opening closing means.
 4. Thedevice according to any foregoing claim wherein the longitudinal axes ofatleast a substantial number of notches in first sheet are inclinedrelative to the length of the opening closing means.
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the longitudinal axes of atleast asubstantial number of notches in first sheet are orthogonal to thelength of the opening closing means.
 6. The device according to anyforegoing claim wherein the first sheet and second sheet are configuredas a sub-assembly and is capable of being used as a change-part inpre-assembled condition.
 7. The device according to any foregoing claimwherein the base component comprises atleast four locating feet forsupporting and locating the assembly for orienting capsules.
 8. Thedevice according to any foregoing claim wherein the distance between thefirst sheet and the second sheet is maintained such that the capsulessit perfectly within the notches without jumping off from the seatedposition.
 9. The device according to any foregoing claim wherein thenotches of the second sheet comprises a first section and a secondsection wherein the size of the first section and the second section arein relation to the size of the capsules and configured as disclosed intable no. 2 accompanying this specification.
 10. The device according toany of claims 1 to 9 further comprises an assembly for filling capsulescomprising: a sheet component for holding a portion of capsules andthereby facilitating separation of the body portion and the cap portionof the capsules, and a base component for supporting a portion of theseparated capsules; said sheet component comprising atleast a pair ofsheets and said each sheet having a plurality of holes therein to allowpassage of capsules therethrough for holding of a portion of each of thecapsules for facilitating separation into body portion and cap portionwherein atleast one of such said sheets is displaceable relative to oneor more sheets for effecting gripping of a portion of the capsulesduring separation of body portion and cap portion of capsules; said basecomponent comprising a displacement means for effecting relativedisplacement of said sheets;
 11. The device according to claim 10wherein the displacement means is a cam assembly mounted to the basecomponent such that the sheets are replaceable for filling other sizecapsules without removing cam.
 12. The device according to claim 10 orclaim 11 wherein the cam is an eccentric cam having an offset distanceof atleast 1 mm.
 13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12wherein the base component comprises a thumb post to facilitateoperation of the cam assembly by operator's thumb.
 14. The deviceaccording to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the sheet positioned atforemost position from the upper side comprises atleast eight locatingholes for locating an orienter assembly for over encapsulation.
 15. Thedevice according to any one of claims 10 to claim 14 wherein the sheetsare adapted to hold the body of the capsules in a single plane forenabling separation of the body portion and cap portion of the capsules.16. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein thesheets have profile-cut portions and profile-cut strips that are capableof being positioned in mating relationship with each other to enablegripping the body of the capsules in a single plane for enablingseparation of the body portion and cap portion of the capsules.
 17. Thedevice according to any foregoing claim further comprises a capsule trayadapted to form a gap to release entrapped air inside the caps andthereby avoid popping out of cap of the capsules after separation intobody portion and cap portion.